Still popping corn after 100 years

THUMBS UP:

Not too many institutions last 100 years. The popcorn stand popped up in Granite Falls on Aug. 1, 1919 and continued to pop corn ever since. The Kiwanis Club, which now operates the stand, held a well-deserved celebration for the 100-year institution. Here’s to another 100 years on popcorn in Granite Falls.

Special trait leads to longevity

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Another milestone was achieved by Marshall Mayor Bob Byrnes. He just retired as the University of Minnesota’s statewide Extension director after 40 years of service. One of the people who interviewed Byrnes for the Extension job 40 years ago said she knew right away he was going to play a big role in Lyon County. “He impressed us as a thoughtful, patient person who could relate well on one-to-one basis with people from all walks life,” Marquita Banks was quoted of saying in the Wednesday edition of the Independent. Hmmm, that trait seems to be working well for Byrnes as mayor of Marshall. He’s only been in that job for more than 25 years.

Does the crime fit the punishment?

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Justice has been served — sort of. Darin Rahm was sentenced on Monday to more than 68 months in prison for swindling more than $250,000 from Marshall Convention and Visitors Bureau as its director. Just doesn’t seem the crime fits the punishment.